As part of their budget proposals in February 2023, the Liberal Democrat administration at Stockport Town Hall promised to deliver additional Free School Meals over and above the national scheme during the next school year. Details of how this scheme will operate were announced by the council today.
Speaking after the announcement, Cllr Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “We know that the national scheme falls short and misses some young people whose families do not qualify for the trigger benefits that give access to the national Free School Meals scheme.
“We hope that by providing this additional support we can ensure more children get a decent meal in the middle of the day and are able to focus on achieving their potential in school.”
Cllr Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, added: “In the face of the ongoing cost of living crisis, this additional support will mean Stockport children from a family that receives Local Council Tax Support and/or Housing Benefit but do not already qualify for Free School Meals, will now get support from the council.
“This is in addition to the Family Support Vouchers, which the council will continue to issue through the government’s Household Support Fund. All eligible families are being contacted directly with clear information about how to request these meals.”
